John Bell

John Bell is the John H. “Red” Dove Professor of Supply Chain Management and Nancy & David McKinney Faculty Fellow at the University of Tennessee. He leads the Department of Supply Chain Management at the Haslam College of Business. Prior to academia, he served as a logistics officer in the U.S. Air Force, holding roles such as division chief for Logistics Management at AFIT and achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His research focuses on supply chain network design, risk management, and logistics optimization, with a particular emphasis on global supply chains and resource scarcity.

Education:

• Ph.D., Management, Auburn University (2003)
• M.S., Logistics Management, Air Force Institute of Technology (1998)
• B.S., History, U.S. Air Force Academy (1990)

Research Interests: Bell’s work spans supply chain integrity, facility location optimization, hazardous material transportation, and strategic supply chain risk analysis. He emphasizes the intersection of military logistics and civilian applications, particularly in addressing geopolitical and environmental challenges. His recent studies explore the strategic implications of natural resource scarcity and illicit activities in global supply chains.

Awards & Honors:

• General Leo Marquez Award (1993) for outstanding maintenance management
• Louis Polk Award (1998) for research on parts obsolescence in aircraft manufacturing
• Edwin Aldrin Award (1998) as top leader in his class
• Distinguished Graduate, AFIT Logistics Management program

Grants & Contributions: Bell has secured over $100,000 in U.S. Air Force grants for logistics facility research. He actively participates in professional societies such as CSCMP, INFORMS, and DSI, contributing to special issues on transportation challenges. His work bridges military logistics expertise with modern supply chain management practices.

Labs & Initiatives: As part of the Global Supply Chain Institute, Bell collaborates on projects addressing critical supply chain issues like CO2 shortages in food distribution and strategic mineral procurement during trade conflicts. His research often highlights real-world applications of theoretical frameworks.